Yellow Nutsedge
Cyperus esculentus · Warm-season, Perennial C4 Sedge (Graminoid)
Grass Family
Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass (often found in Lawn/Turf, Pasture, and Wetlands)
Variety / Cultivar
Common wild variety (often referred to as 'Chufa' when cultivated for tubers)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-10; foliage dies back to the ground after first frost; tubers survive extreme cold down to -20°F.
About This Grass
A grass-like perennial reaching 12-30 inches if unmowed. It features distinct triangular stems and a yellow-green color that often contrasts sharply with turfgrass. The seed head is a cluster of yellowish-brown spikelets on long stalks.
Blade Characteristics
Medium width (4-9mm), V-shaped/folded in cross-section with a prominent mid-vein and long-tapered pointed tip; waxy, shiny texture; arranged in groups of 3 (3-ranked) at the base; no ligule or auricles.
Root System
Fibrous roots with extensive rhizomes ending in starchy tubers (nutlets) situated 2-8 inches deep; very high thatch/density tendency; extremely fast establishment.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Cosmopolitan; native to most of the Western Hemisphere and Southern Europe
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous with underground tubers (nutlets); aggressive colony-former
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun to Partial Shade; prefers moist, poorly drained sites but is highly drought-tolerant once tubers are established; thrives in pH 5.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Hard to control with mowing; grows significantly faster than turfgrass between mowings. Maintenance usually involves chemical herbicidal control rather than cultural practices.
Special Characteristics
Extremely high traffic tolerance due to tuber energy stores; salt tolerant; highly resistant to most standard broadleaf herbicides; distinguishable by its triangular 'sedges have edges' stem.
Ecological Information
Native to North America but considered a noxious weed in many states; tubers provide high-energy food for waterfowl, wild turkeys, and pigs; high soil stabilization ability in wetlands.